This was a really incredible trip! From North to South you get to see the ins-and-outs of this beautiful country, the beautiful sights, the friendly people and the tasty food! I feel that it was the perfect duration for the locations visited – I didn’t feel rushed on any days but also don’t feel that we were roaming around aimlessly at any point! Just an action packed trip from start to finish and one that I would definitely recommend to anyone who is thinking about going for it… you won’t regret it!
Culture Holidays in Mexico
Mexico Culture Holidays
Top Things to Do on Cultural Holidays in Mexico
Visit Chichen Itza: One of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan and is a must-see for anyone on Mexico cultural holidays. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, dating back to 600 AD. The site is home to 26 extraordinary Mayan ruins that are split into two parts: Chichen Itza and Old Chichen, each as impressive as the other. If you’re not sure which Mayan ruin to visit first, the Chichen Itza Pyramid or El Castillo are good places to start. But there are plenty more sights to see, including the Observatory, The Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol and the Mayan Ball Game. The site is utterly enthralling and gives you a deeper insight into the history of the Mayans.
Explore San Cristobel: This colonial highland city wrapped inside ancient pine forest and traditional villages is a jumble of cobbled streets, colourful plazas and centuries-old buildings with red tiled roofs and whitewashed exteriors. As well as boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, San Cristobel is firmly rooted in the country’s indigenous culture and is a great place to scratch beneath the surface of Mexico. Its fusion of ancient customs and modern luxuries adds to its charms. The vibrant cafes are great for mixing with the local Tzotzil people and trying some authentic dishes, or perhaps wander through the streets and admire the old colonial houses.
Attend the Day of the Dead Festival: This is one of Mexico’s most famous festivals, which takes place every year to celebrate the passing of friends and family. The streets, homes and cemeteries in Oaxaca are filled with people remembering their lost loved ones. The Mexicans believe that death should be celebrated rather than mourned and they certainly know how to celebrate in style. You’ll see people of all different cultures gathering in nearby villages and market squares to perform spiritual rituals and traditions. In the evening, the streets are filled with carnivals and parties, with people dressed in spooky costumes.
As well as being immersed in the party atmosphere, you can learn about the local cuisine and sample foods such as enchiladas, almond stew or stuffed chillies. Enjoying lunch at the home of one of the local families is a great privilege and you’ll see their ‘shrine for the dead’ and learn about their heritage first hand.
Take a Tour of Mexico City: The beating heart of Mexico, Mexico City is a potent cocktail of historical sites, floating gardens and modern-day culture. The famous Plaza de la Constitución, Templo Mayor and the Baroque Cathedral Metropolitana hark back to when it was the Aztec capital, yet today it’s a cosmopolitan hub where travellers from around the globe come to get their fix of Mexican culture. A tour of the city guides you through the Zócalo and ancient streets to some of the most significant landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, before visiting the Palacio Nacional and the Museum of Anthropology and History.
Joshua Raubenheimer Trails of Vietnam
Michael Sissons Essential PeruThis was an excellent and varied trip which gave a real sense of Peru’s culture and history, and of its sheer scale. I take a lot of photographs, and what struck me most throughout was the feeling of space. The landscapes are immense and it’s one of those places you really have to visit to properly comprehend.
The itinerary really is full on, and it can feel demanding at times, but I came away feeling I had seen a great deal of the country rather than simply ticking off a few famous sites. We were fortunate with the weather throughout the trip, particularly in the mountains where visibility and light were often exceptional.
Food was generally good, though naturally variable over such a long trip. Traditional Andean food is hearty and quite rustic in character, but Peru also has international influences, particularly Italian, and some of the pasta dishes were unexpectedly very good and seemed to be freshly made.
Gail Hopper Discover Mexico – Day of the Dead (Oaxaca)An unforgettable, tiring, enjoyable experience. Wouldn’t have missed it, but was glad to say goodbye to that coach we travelled in most days.
Would highly recommend being in Mexico for the Day of the Dead festival. Oaxaca was a great place to enjoy it – a beautiful city where we were welcomed and felt part of the celebrations. Our guide really helped us understand the history, culture and story of Mexico, from the outset in Mexico City, then led us through it over the following 16 days. I thought that the numerous visits to classical sites would be too much, but every one was different and visits were interspersed with meeting local families, learning to cook local dishes, experiencing local traditions, like following wedding parties, exploring fabulous old cities, enjoying scenery, rivers and mountains. A complete journey through what Mexico offers.
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